Vipin Sharma appointed as Additional Municipal Commissioner by BMC amid finalisation of OOH Policy

Vipin Sharma has been appointed as the new Additional Municipal Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), taking on a significant role as the city undergoes crucial administrative changes. Among his key duties is the overview of the Licensing Department, which regulates outdoor advertising under Sections 328 and 328A of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (MMC) Act, 1888.

This department plays a critical role in managing all forms of advertisements in the city, including hoardings, kiosks, neon signs, glow signs, and other public displays. These forms of advertising are integral to Mumbai’s commercial ecosystem, allowing businesses to connect with the city’s vast population.

The Licensing Department is also responsible for specific categories such as sky signs, bus shelter advertisements, building wraps, and mobile advertising displays. Additionally, it regulates illuminated advertisements like showrooms and shop displays, ensuring they comply with the city’s safety and aesthetic standards. Permissions and fees are required for certain types of advertisements, such as temporary festival hoardings and illuminated showrooms, which all fall under the purview of this department. Vipin’s role will be crucial in ensuring that these advertisements align with regulatory guidelines while maintaining Mumbai’s visual appeal.

His appointment comes at a crucial moment as the BMC is in the process of finalising a new Out-Of-Home (OOH) advertising policy, which remains in draft form. This new policy aims to address growing concerns about safety, visual clutter, and the equitable use of public spaces for advertising. Vipin’s leadership will be key in steering the finalisation of this policy and ensuring its effective implementation, balancing the commercial interests of advertisers with the need to maintain the city’s aesthetic standards.

In addition to his role in the Licensing Department, Vipin will manage a range of other responsibilities, from public health and solid waste management to urban planning and market regulation. His broad portfolio demonstrates the trust placed in him to navigate the complexities of Mumbai’s administration effectively. However, with the new OOH policy under review and ongoing discussions about advertising regulations, his work in this area will be particularly visible.